Thankyou Vets

[ea81slush]

Here in Oz we didn't welcome our veterans well in the early 1970's when they returned home. Such was the times of friction between many that didn't want Australian soldiers fighting in that war.

I joined the RAAF in 1973 at 17yo but never saw overseas war zones. I did however work later alongside Vietnam Veterans in workplaces like prisons (warder) and the investigation industry.

I just want to say a big thankyou to all Veterans that read this. And if you are a triker/biker and you use the road as your ticket to freedom, may you mind relax and you wings take you to where ever you dream.

LET IT BE OUR LAST

They came home to jeers
Along a Townsville street
Egg, insults and abuse
Is all they got to greet

They’d endured the Asian jungles
Where every step you take
Be wary of your step
Or your chest will wear a stake

With shrapnel in their backs
And poison from orange air
Their fight would go on for years
But no one showed they cared

As the Townsville streets cursed
When our heroes paced the town
Soldiers honour put on hold
Their dignity a frown

And wait they would have to do
Like waiting for a falling shell
For they fought for this land Australia
In the battlefield of hell

Do you know Vietnam Vets?
Then show them of your jest
Shake their hand to understand
Lest we forget

But we should always remember
That we should never relive the past
The day the Aussie soldier was jeered
Let it be our last

When we see our wartime heroes
And remember those that fell
Let us not forget the brave
From the battle field of hell….

Tony Russell Dawson
Strathbogie Victoria

Australia

[Keystone]

Same thing in the US at that time. Started getting better in the 80's.

[Thor]

<snipped>
I joined the RAAF in 1973 at 17yo but never saw overseas war zones. I did however work later alongside Vietnam Veterans in workplaces like prisons (warder) and the investigation industry.

I just want to say a big thankyou to all Veterans that read this. And if you are a triker/biker and you use the road as your ticket to freedom, may you mind relax and you wings take you to where ever you dream.
<snipped>

Like you, I joined the military as soon as I turned 18 (Army), but never saw combat (lost friends who have, that's a whole other chapter on feeling the guilt). I do what I can for those who served, particularly those who experienced Vietnam...the treatment many received when getting home was appalling. Also run with Warriors Watch doing escorts from airport to home, "hug & mugs", etc. Great being able to welcome them home, just cant get over how young many of these men & women are anymore (guess I'm getting old).

ea81slush, would you mind if I share that passage with my WW group?